Finally a single-speed version of one of Nashbar's cyclocross bike that will help you dish out generous servings of your chro-mo mojo to the competition.

The Nashbar Single-Speed Cyclocross Bike has an abuse-proof chromoly frame and fork at its heart and soul. And while this steel beauty may pack more grams than its more svelte aluminum and carbon fiber brethren, what it truly inspires is confidence -- confidence in the handling, confidence in ride quality, and the confidence that when you hit the deck (and if you're doing 'cross right that fact is inevitable) your steel rig will still be in one piece and ready to rumble when you pick yourself up. The amount of punishment this frameset can withstand is simply astounding.

While some 'cross bikes take the super purist route and provide no water bottle cage braze-ons, we, on the other hand, believe differently. 'Cross bikes are the true all-arounders of the cycling world and just because it may not be de rigueur for world-class racing steads to have their thoroughbred lines blighted with braze-ons this steel stallion is intended to be ridden, and ridden a lot, in non-racing environs. And you know what? You're going to get thirsty. So we highly recommend slapping a cage on and heading out for all kinds of adventure. Come race day, just take that cage off (if you even so desire) and you're good to go.

Component-wise, feast your eyes on the slew of lightweight aluminum goodies that make this rig such an extraordinary value. Being a single-speed, though, there's not that much actually there -- these are the ultimate in simplicity after all -- but you'll find the aluminum crankset, and its 46T chainring, to be a super clean, reliable selection. The aluminum bars, stem and seatpost are all workman-like, too, in their utter reliability, simplicity, and durability.

In the vein of simplicity and reliability, nothing beats a solid pair of cantilever brakes to modulate your speed and these Tektro gems will treat you right. There's ample clearance to keep your wheels spinning freely in slime and grime and there's no annoying mushiness at all when you pull the levers -- just crisp, firm action. Swapping out pads is a snap, too, with their cartridge holders.

Alex alloy rims are nigh indestructible and the Kenda Small Block Eight 'cross tires are an awesome option for those with speed on the brain. Optimized for fast acceleration and hard-pack surfaces, they just rip it up when you apply power to the pedals as if you've got a small block V8 for legs.

Have we mentioned what a versatile all-arounder the Nashbar Single-Speed Cyclocross Bike is? As is you've got the goods to duke it out for podium honors on the 'cross course or simply head off-road for adventure and hijinks. Not one to be pigeonholed, however, this bike also makes a head-turning city or commuter bike as well--just sticker it up, maybe swap out the knobs for fatty slicks, and start assaulting the urban scape. But no matter what you do, we guarantee there'll be a mile-wide smile on your face.

Durable, bombproof chromoly frame and fork are ready for the nastiest of courses...or the crustiest of city streets

Single speed drive train is maintenance-free, just rinse it off and it will run perfectly

Lightweight frame, fork, and components make for easier running with the bike over your back

Cantilever brakes leave plenty of room for shedding mud and debris without binding

Knobby cyclocross tires give you plenty of bite in even the gooiest of mud

If you are looking for a good bike for commuting around town buy this bike. Period. The 46/17 ratio is ideal for mildly hilly terrain. The sturdy frame and knobly tires make it sure footed over broken roads. The frame also has clearance for a 700x35c studded winter tire which makes it the perfect year-round commuter.

My friend who's a master bike mechanic wholeheartedly endorsed the bike AS LONG AS YOU MAKE SURE TO HAVE IT ALL RE-ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY. Everyone at the bike store thought it was really cool.

It was rideable with minimal assembly out of the box, but to make it last have it professionally re-assembled. These bikes are hastily assembled quickly using power tools.

My friend took it all apart and found the bottom bracket over-torqued, the freewheel and brake post attachments not greased. The wheels needed some slight truing, and the brakes needed adjustment. The chainring or crank spider caused a very small wobble (I couldn't see it).

As others said the included pedals aren't great (I immediately put on my nashbar soho pedals).

Bottom line: it's a great bike for a great price (especially with a coupon), and to make it last put in the time/money to have it professionally re-assembled so it will last (and it's so much fun you'll want it to!)

I've owned this bike for just over a year now and it is still going strong! I strongly recommend it!

I rode this bike through every single snowstorm in Boston this year, which received a record amount of snowfall (This is a hazardous practice and you should NOT do it!). The 35c tires cut through snow and grip the pavement. The gearing is slightly easier than many single speed road bikes, making it great for my commute, which includes a few minor hills. While it takes some finesse, the gearing is also suitable in the snow. If you've ever ridden a 20 speed with iced up derailleurs, you'll appreciate the simplicity and durability of this single speed. The steel frame and tough wheels have held up to RR tracks, potholes, and some awesome powersliding.

I bent the front brakes, which was due to ABUSE from salt, water, and bike racks. I replaced them with the Nashbar Cantilever Front and Rear Brake Set and I've been very pleased so far.

The only con about this bike is the pedals. They're tiny, one sided "entry," and have toe clips. I replaced them with Nashbar Verge platform pedals (see review by The Boatman on those) and I've been pleased.

This is a follow up review, just thought I would say more since I am enjoying the bike so much. I've got 3 other bikes, all vastly more expensive and I can't be bothered to ride them because I keep jumping on this one. It is in fact my favorite bike at the moment. I just reached 100 miles and it has required no attention mechanically. If you are on the fence, or want to try out a cross bike I say go for it.

I bought this bike to be my 'beater' single speed commuter bike as I was tired of exposing my geared bike to midwest winter road salt. IMHO, single speeds with with wide tire clearance make great commuter bikes. Easy to clean/maintain. Swap between a skinny tire wheel-set for the summer and a cheap wide tire wheel-set in the winter.

I got trigger happy when I saw the price drop temporarily. Part of the offer was free shipping but there was a large item fee. Shipped quickly.

Both wheels needed some attention and the tube for the rear was pierced. I was prepared for this.

I like the deep unbranded paint job. Hopefully other manufacturers catch on to this consumer preference.

Brakes worked surprisingly well out of the box. I will get better pads when the current ones wear out.

I think everyone is agreement that the pedals are junk and that you should just plan to spend some money on different ones.

I didn't notice before buying that the drop-bar in the photo is really dipped and awkward looking. The result is a very stretched out riding experience for a 6'1" 32" inseam rider (58cm frame). Instead of reconfiguring the brake placement and re-taping the bar, I decided to swap it for a flat bar/compatible brake levers for a more upright ride. I might try a shorter stem as well. I am not planning on any cyclocross racing with it.

I also noticed that you will have a tough time installing a full coverage rear fender without p-clamps or zip ties since there isn't a proper hole in the chain-stay bridge or seat-stay bridge. A little bummed by this since I was excited to see rear braze-ons for a rack. Eventually I will be looking to put fenders on it for 80% of the time.

I will upgrade the tires when the time comes. I think the All-City Nature Boy ships with the same tires, so not bad, just not my ideal tire.

Ultimately, I bought this bike for the unbranded frame set and the cheap wheel-set which will be the core of my continuous part swapping tendencies. I would not recommend this bike to someone without previous bike tooling experience.

Picked this up to see if I would like something in between a mountain bike and road bike. I used to ride a lot of road and have been mountain biking a lot lately. I wanted to see how this style of bike would handle the smoother trails. It is really enjoyable on twisty shared paths with minimal roots. For the price I can't complain too much, but I do wish it would have come with a 31.8 cockpit, and with less silver/chrome stuff. Overall I'm glad I got it though.

Impressions:- pretty ropy frame thanks to the narrow tubing- the pedals are bad- my wheels weren't too badly out of true, compared to what I've heard- instead of brakes, it has strong urgers to slow down- the bars and hoods don't form a nice flat platform even after moving and retaping

The geometry is pretty steep for a "cross" setup: 55cm is SA 74.5, HA 73. Between the handling and material differences, it doesn't remind me at all of my Nature Boy, which is a great SSCX bike.

Would heartily recommend to people for $300 shipped, but not sure about $376, which is what I got when it was on saleIn addition to the garbage pedals, I don't like these tires. The small tread block elements are too squishy for road riding. I had some Kenda Small Block 8s on 26" and don't recall this. I'm gonna say that SS might be too intimidating for many beginners, especially if companies are outfitting a 46x17 ratio stock. The neighborhood is a bit hilly and I was having to really work out of the saddle to move up some of the hills. Between the geometry and the gearing, I couldn't recommend this as a first bike.

Always wanted a single speed and also a cross bike. This bike jumped out at me and I pulled the trigger. As some commented, it came with a flip flop hub. Nice suprise and I ordered a 20t to compliment the 17 it comes with. Will swap that out for a 16t at some point. The 17 is middle range and will get you anywhere you want to go though.After calling Nashbar, the stand over for the 61 is 34" and 32" for the 58. They should probably list those. A very stable setup on loose unpaved trails. Nice cushioned bar tape and the seat is pretty comfy. Not too soft or too firm. The Kenda's hook up suprisingly well.I had it put together and adjusted in about 30 minutes. There's still some machining residue on the rims brake surface and a scrubby with a little soap and water will help. I also hit the brake pads with sandpaper. Brakes work proper now.Great paint and simple to maintain. If you're reading this, you're interested in the purchase. Just buy it. You'll not be disapointed.

I bought this bike for commuting. I have other dedicated bikes for road cycling and mountain biking. This bike would not be appropriate for racing cyclocross.

I immediately put my own pedals on

In line with other reviews, my front wheel arrived warped. The brakes are very cheap and I will replace them if I decide I need to break much during my commute. Otherwise the assembly was quick and straight-forward

The bike is light enough, and is actually quite comfortable on gravel trails. The gear ratio is just right for a fast commute with modest hills. I would not change it. I like the look of the bike, very simple, no logos except for the rims. Tires are OK but they are so easy to change you should never buy a bike based on the tires

Overall it is a cheap bike, but does the job as a commuter and looks and rides decently